Composición Corporal y Capacidad Física en Pacientes con COVID-19 Hospitalizados en una Unidad de Cuidados Intensivos

Las unidades de cuidados intensivos (UCI) y agudos han sido los contenedores del avance de la pandemia por COVID-19. Sin embargo, la estadía prolongada en esta unidad puede repercutir sobre la composición corporal (CC) y la capacidad derealizar ejercicio de los pacientes. El objetivo de esta investigación fue determinar si existe relación entre composición corporal (CC) y la prueba de caminata en 6 minutos (PC6m). Se reclutaron 17 personas (8 mujeres y 9 hombres). Se tomaron las siguientes medidas: PC6m, se consideró su distancia recorrida (DRPC6m) y su velocidad (VelPC6m). Las variables de CC medidas fueron índice de masa corporal (IMC), masa grasa (MG), masa libre de grasa (MLG) y masa magra (MM). La DRPC6m sólo mostró relación significativa con la MM corporal (MMC). Por otra parte, la VelPC6m tuvo una relación significativa con la MMC. Además de esto, la MLG del miembro inferior derecho y la MLG del miembro inferior izquierdo mostraron una relación con la VelPC6m (r=0,422; p=0,041 y r=0,417; p=0,025, respectivamente). También la MM del miembro inferior derecho y la MM del miembro inferior izquierdo se relacionaron significativamente con la VelPC6m (r=0,422; p=0,030 y r=0,420; p=0,042). En conclusión, existe relación entre composición corporal y VelPC6m. Esto permitiría aproximarse de manera rápida al nivel de funcionalidad con la que ingresa un paciente a un programa de rehabilitación.

SUMMARY: The intensive care units (ICU) and acute care units have been the containers for the advance of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, prolonged stay in this unit can impact patients' body composition (WC) and ability to exercise. This research aimed to determine if there is a relationship between body composition (BC) and the 6-minute walk test (6mWT). 17 people were recruited (8 women and 9 men). The following measurements were taken: 6mWT, its distance traveled (6mWTDT) and its speed (6mWTS) were considered. The WC variables measured were body mass index (BMI), fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and lean mass (LM). 6mWTDT only showed a significant relationship with body LM (BLM). On the other hand, 6mWTS had a significant relationship with BLM. In addition to this, the FFM of the right lower limb and the FFM of the left lower limb showed a relationship with 6mWTS (r=0.422; p=0.041 and r=0.417; p=0.025, respectively). Also, the LM of the right lower limb and the LM of the left lower limb were significantly related to the 6mWTS (r=0.422; p=0.030 and r=0.420; p=0.042). In conclusion, there is a relationship between body composition and 6mWTS. This would allow us to quickly approach the level of functionality with which a patient enters a rehabilitation program.

Hepcidin and inflammation associated with iron deficiency in childhood obesity - A systematic review

Abstract Objectives: This paper aims to review data on the association of obesity and iron deficiency in children and adolescents, exposing the possible involvement of hepcidin and interleukin-6 (IL-6), obesity's inflammation biomarkers. Data source: Articles from PUBMED and WEB OF SCIENCE database with no chronological limit were reviewed to write this systematic review. Keywords such as children, obesity, iron deficiency, and hepcidin were used. After deleting duplicated and review articles, 91 were screened, and 39 were selected as eligible. Sixteen articles were included because they involved serum hepcidin levels in obese children and adolescents as outcomes. Summary of findings: Finally, those 16 articles were organized in two tables: one includes therapeutic interventions, and the other does not. As hepcidin was discovered in 2000, the first articles that presented serum hepcidin's quantification in obese children and adolescents, homeostasis iron markers, and their possible association with obesity's inflammatory environment began to be published in 2008. Conclusions: Obesity's chronic inflammation state leads to the production of IL-6, which acts as a signaling molecule for hepcidin synthesis, resulting in iron deficiency, which is common in obese children and adolescents who respond inadequately to iron supplementation. On the other hand, that population responds adequately to therapeutic intervention programs that lead to weight loss, guaranteeing iron homeostasis improvement. Therefore, perhaps it is time to discuss serum hepcidin level quantification as part of evaluating children and adolescents with iron deficiency, which could guide clinical choices that might lead to better therapeutic outcomes.

Propiedades psicométricas del cuestionario de gratitud (gq-6) para Brasil / Psychometric Properties of the Gratitude Questionnaire (gq-6) to Brazil / Propriedades psicométricas do questionário de gratidão (gq-6) para o Brasi

Este estudio tuvo como objetivo adaptar el Cuestio-nario de Gratitud (gq-6) a la población brasileña. La muestra estuvo constituida por 1 850 participantes con una edad media de 25.13 años (dt = 5.36), 50 % mujeres y 50 % hombres, con representación de todos los estados brasileños. Se realizó análisis factorial exploratorio (afe) y análisis factorial confirmatorio (afc), y correlaciones entre gratitud (gq-6) y satisfac-ción con la vida (swls), optimismo (lot-r), esperanza (ahs), felicidad (shs), afectos positivos y negativos (panas), y personalidad (bfi). Los resultados de efay cfa indicaron una solución unidimensional con los elementos que soportan cargas (λ > 0.39) en el factor y un ajuste aceptable para la solución de un factor (χ2(9) = 59, p < 0.001; cfi= 0.956, rmsea= 0.078). Las correlaciones indican una asociación con variables externas relevantes. Se concluye que el cuestionario presenta evidencia de validez y confiabilidad para su uso en investigación en el contexto brasileño

This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Gratitude Questionnaire (gq-6) to the Brazilian population. The sample consisted of 1 850 participants with a mean age of 25.13 years (sd = 5.36), 50 % female and 50 % male and the sample represents all Brazilian states. Exploratory factor analysis (efa) and confirmato-ry factor analysis (cfa) were run, along with correlations between gratitude (gq-6) and life satisfaction (swls), optimism (lot-r), hope (ahs), happiness (shs), positive and negative affects (panas), and personality (bfi). The efa and cfa results indicated a one-dimensional solu-tion with the items loading satisfactorily (λ > 0.39) in the factor and acceptable fit for the one-factor solution (χ2 (9) = 59, p < 0.001; cfi= 0.956, rmsea= 0.078). Correlations indicate relevant relationships with exter-nal variables. In conclusion, the questionnaire shows evidence of validity and reliability for research use in the Brazilian context

Este estudo investigou as propriedades psicométricas do Questionário de Gratidão (gq-6) na população bra-sileira. Participaram 1 850 respondentes com média de idade de 25.13 anos (dp= 5.36), sendo 50 % do sexo feminino e 50 % do sexo masculino e com representação de todos os estados brasileiros. Foram rodadas análi-ses fatoriais exploratória (efa) e fatorial confirmatória (cfa), e correlações entre gratidão (gq-6) e satisfação com a vida (swls), otimismo (lo-r), esperança (ahs), felicidade subjetiva (shs), afetos positivos e negativos (panas) e personalidade (bfi). Os resultados da efa e da cfa indicaram uma solução unidimensional com os itens carregando com cargas adequadas (λ > 0.39) no fator e ajuste aceitável para a solução unifatorial (χ2 (9) = 59, p < 0.001; cfi= 0.956, rmsea = 0.078). As correlações indicaram relações com variáveis externas relevantes. Conclui-se que a escala apresenta evidências de validade e fidedignidade para uso em pesquisa no Brasil.

Déterminants de l'introduction du poisson dans l'alimentation des enfants âgés de 6-23 mois en milieu urbain au Burkina Faso / NA

L'accumulation du capital humain commence dès l'enfance à travers une alimentation adéquate. Pour les pays en développement généralement caractériséspar la malnutrition infantile, la consommation du poisson constitue une opportunité pour améliorer le statut nutritionnel des enfants de 6-23 mois. Cet article vise à identifier les déterminants de l'introduction du poisson dans l'alimentation du jeune enfant. Pour y parvenir, des données ont été collectées auprès de 360 dans la la ville de Bobo-Dioulassoà travers une enquêtetransversale. Les données ont été principalement analysées à l'aide d'un modèle Logit simple. Selon les résultats, 76,9% des mères interrogées ont déjà introduit le poisson dans l'alimentation de l'enfanttandis que 43,1%ont donné du poisson au cours des 24 dernières heures précédant l'enquête. Des facteurs tels que la dépense journalière du ménage en poisson, l'âge de la mère de l'enfantet d'autres déterminantsont été identifiés comme ayant un impact significatif sur la pratique alimentaire. Les résultats obtenus plaident en faveur d'une intensification des politiques de pêche par la promotion de ce sous secteur économiqueà travers des actions de renforcement des capacités techniques, opérationnelles et institutionnelles des acteurs de la pêcheafin d'accroître l'offre nationale du poisson.En conclusion, l'étude permet de retenir que les interventions publiques de développement qui visent à améliorer les revenus des populations pauvres constituent des opportunités pour améliorer la consommation du poisson chez lesjeunes enfants.Mots clés: capital humain, poisson, enfants de 6-23 mois, Burkina Faso

The accumulation of human capital begins in childhood with adequate nutrition. For developing countries characterized by childhood malnutrition, fish consumption represents an opportunity to improve the nutritional status of children aged 6-23 months. This article aims to identify the determinants of the introduction of fish to young's children's diets. To achieve this, data was collected from 360 households in Bobo-Dioulasso through a cross-sectional survey. Data was essentially analyzed by using a simple Logit model. According to the results, 76.9% of the mothers interviewed had already introduced fish into their child's diet while 43.1% gave fish during the last 24 hours preceding the survey. Factors such as daily household expenditure on fish, age of the child's mother and other determinants were identified as having a significant impact on feeding practice. The results argue for fishing policies intensification by promoting that economic sub-sector through actions which strengthen technical, operational and institutional capacities of fishing stakeholders in order to increase the national supply of fish. , the study shows that public development development interventions aim to enhance poor population's income represent opportunities to improve fish consumption among young children.

Improvement effect and mechanism of total flavonoids from Rosa multiflora root on vascular injury in rheumatoid arthritis model rats / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To study the improvement effect of total flavonoids from Rosa multiflora root on vascular injury in rheumatoid arthritis （RA） model rats and its potential mechanism. METHODS Female Wistar rats were randomly divided into normal control group， model group， aspirin group （positive control， 30 mg/kg）， low-dose and high-dose groups of total flavonoids from R. multiflora root （4.15， 8.30 g/kg， by crude drug）， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the normal control group， the RA model was induced in other groups by collagen induction and high-fat diet. After 14 days of modeling， they were given corresponding drug solution/0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose solution intragastrically， once a day， for 36 consecutive days. The total body score， arthritis index （AI） and swollen joint count （SJC） of the rats were evaluated regularly. After the last medication， serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1） and vascular cell adhesion molecule- 1 （VCAM-1） were determined. The pathological morphological changes in the vascular tissue of thoracic aorta were observed； the protein expression of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and the protein phosphorylation levels of Janus kinase 2 （JAK2） and signal transduction and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） in vascular tissue of thoracic aorta were measured. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group， serum levels of IL-6， ICAM-1 and VCAM-1， protein expression of TLR4， and the protein phosphorylation levels of JAK2 and STAT3 in vascular tissue of thoracic aorta were increased significantly in model group （P＜ 0.01）. The atherosclerotic plaque （atheroma）， cholesterol crystal， lymphocyte infiltration and a small number of unbroken foam cell aggregation could be seen in the vascular tissue of thoracic aorta. Compared with the model group， total body score （except for the low-dose group）， AI and SJC were decreased significantly in groups of total flavonoids from R. multiflora root on the 28th day （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； total body score，AI and SJC were decreased significantly in low-dose group of total flavonoids from R. multiflora root on the 49th day （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； the other quantitative indicators in serum and vascular tissue were significantly reversed in groups of total flavonoids from R. multiflora root （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， and pathological damage of vascular tissue was significantly relieved. CONCLUSIONS Total flavonoids from R. multiflora root can significantly improve vascular injury in RA model rats， and its mechanism may be related to reducing the protein expression of TLR4 in vascular tissue and inhibiting the activation of IL-6/JAK2/ STAT3 signaling pathway.

Clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles of Filipino patients with 6-Pyruvoyl-Tetrahydrobiopterin Synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency and their neurodevelopmental outcomes

Background@#Six-pyruvoyl-tetrahydrobiopterin synthase (6-PTPS) deficiency is an inherited metabolic disorder which results in tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) deficiency causing hyperphenylalaninemia.@*Objective@#This study aimed to describe the clinical, biochemical, and radiologic profiles, and neurologic and developmental outcomes of patients diagnosed with 6-pyruvoyl tetrahydrobiopterin (PTPS) deficiency through newborn screening and confirmed by BH4 loading test, pterin analysis, and gene sequencing who were following-up with the metabolic team.@*Methods@#The research was a single-center descriptive case series study design that was done at the Philippine General Hospital, a tertiary government hospital. The clinical, biochemical, radiologic profiles and neurodevelopmental evaluation of each patient were described.@*Results@#Nine patients from 1 year 2 months to 14 years 5 months of age were enrolled in the study. Clinical manifestations before treatment were hypotonia, poor suck, and seizure. The most common clinical manifestation even after treatment initiation was seizure. The mean phenylalanine level on newborn screening was 990.68 umol/L, but after treatment was started, mean levels ranged from 75.69 to 385.09 umol/L. Two of the patients had focal atrophy of the posterior lobe on brain imaging. Pathogenic variants on molecular analysis were all missense, with two predominant variants, c.155A>G and c.58T>C. Eight of the nine patients had varying degrees of developmental delay or intellectual disability, while the remaining patient had signs of a learning disorder. @*Conclusion@#Newborn screening has played a crucial role in the early identification and management of patients with hyperphenylalaninemia due to 6-PTPS deficiency. Confirmation of diagnosis through determination of DHPR activity, urine pterins and/or molecular analysis is necessary for appropriate management. However, despite early initiation of treatment, neurodevelopmental findings of patients with 6-PTPS deficiency were still unsatisfactory.

Analysis of phenotype formation mechanism of a new variety of Lonicera japonica Flos "Huajin 6" at long bud stage / 药学学报

Based on the long bud stage phenotype of a new Lonicera japonica Flos variety "Huajin 6", using "Huajin 6" and "Da Mao Hua" as materials, probing the mechanism of its phenotype formation. Detection of endogenous Jasmonic acid hormones (JAs) content; the genes related to jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis were identified by transcriptome analysis of Lonicera japonica; flower buds and flowers of "Huajin 6" and "Da Mao Hua" were collected at different periods, and the qRT-PCR (quantitative real-time PCR) technique was used to analyze the trend of the expression of synthesis-related enzyme genes in Lonicera japonica Flos during the bud stage. The study found that the content of JAs in "Huajin 6" Lonicera japonica Flos was significantly lower than that in "Da Mao Hua"; applying exogenous methyl-jasmonate (MeJA) to "Huajin 6" can restore its flowering phenotype, making it close to wild type Lonicera japonica Flos; there are significant differences in the expression of two allene oxide synthase genes (AOS), three lipoxygenase genes (LOX), and two allene oxide cyclase genes (AOC) in the flowers and buds of "Huajin 6" and "Da Mao Hua" at different periods. It is hypothesized that the low expression of JA synthesis-related enzyme genes in " Huajin 6" leads to the blockage of JA synthesis, which causes the formation of the long bud phenotype. This study laid a certain foundation for the genetic breeding of Lonicera japonica, provided a new idea for the improvement of Lonicera japonica varieties, and provided a reference for the study of JAs in plant flower organs.

Effects of gastrodin on the expression of BDNF and IL-6 in the striatum of rats with cerebral ischemia / 中国临床药理学与治疗学

AIM: To investigate the effect of gastrodin on the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the striatum of cerebral ischemia rats, and to explore the potential mechanism of gastrodin in treating cerebral ischemia. METHODS: The rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal, sham, model, and gastrodin groups, each consisting of 10 rats. After successful modeling using middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), the gastrodin group received intraperitoneal injection of gastrodin injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg once a day for 14 consecutive days. Pathological changes in striatal neurons were observed using Nissl staining. Immunohistochemistry was utilized to detect positive expression of BDNF and IL-6 proteins in the striatum. Additionally, immunoblot analysis was performed to determine the expression levels of BDNF and IL-6 proteins in the striatum. RESULTS: Nissl staining revealed clear and intact structures of striatal neurons in the normal and sham groups, with tightly arranged cells. In the model group, the number of cells was significantly reduced compared to the sham group (P0.05). Compared to the sham group, the model group showed a decrease in the protein expression level of BDNF in the striatum on the ischemic side (P<0.01) and an increase in the protein expression level of IL-6 (P<0.05, P<0.01). In contrast, the gastrodin group showed an increase in the protein expression level of BDNF in the striatum on the ischemic side (P<0.05, P<0.01) and a decrease in the protein expression level of IL-6 (P< 0.05, P<0.01) compared to the model group. CONCLUSION: Gastrodin has a significant protective effect on striatal injury caused by cerebral ischemia, and its mechanism may be related to the up-regulation of the anti-inflammatory factor BDNF and the down-regulation of the pro-inflammatory factor IL-6.

Down-regulation of METTL5 inhibits proliferation, migration and invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells through Wnt/6-catenin signaling pathway / 中国药理学通报

Aim To investigate the role and potential mechanism of methyltransferase-like 5 (METTL5) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) . Methods The expression of METTL5 in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines was detected by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. After shRNA targeting METTL5 (shRNAMETTL5) was transfected into TNBC cells, cell proliferation, migration and invasion were detected by CCK-8, colony formation, wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Western blot was used to detect the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling-related key proteins. A xenograft tumor model was constructed to verify the effect of METTL5 knockdown on the growth of TNBC cells and Wnt/p-catenin signaling activity in vivo. Results The expression of METTL5 was up-regulated in TNBC tumor tissues and cell lines (P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 significantly inhibited the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells and reduced the expression of Wnt/p-catenin signaling molecules (3-catenin, cyclin Dl, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) -2 and MMP-7 (all P < 0. 01) . Knockdown of METTL5 reduced tumor growth and Wnt/pcatenin signaling activity in vivo. Conclusions Knockdown of METTL5 can inhibit the proliferation, migration and invasion of TNBC cells, which may be related to the inhibition of Wnt/p-catenin signaling pathway.

Research progress on bone metabolism and molecular mechanisms in accelerated aging SAMP6 mice / 中国药理学通报

Senile osteoporosis (SOP) is a systemic bone disease characterized by increased susceptibility to fractures. The pathogenesis of SOP is complex and not well understood. Currently, the rapid aging model mouse, senescence accelerated mouse prone 6 (SAMP6), is an ideal model for studying the mechanisms of SOP development and exploring its prevention and treatment. This model exhibits characteristics including increased bone fragility, degradation of bone microstructure, loss of bone matrix, and abnormal metabolism and dysfunction of bone cells, faithfully replicating the process of SOP occurrence and progression at both macroscopic and microscopic levels.

Improvement effects of 3，5，6，7，8，3′，4′-heptamethoxyflavone of Fructus Aurantii on rats with damp blockage of the middle energizer / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effects of 3，5，6，7，8，3′，4′-heptamethoxyflavone （HMF） of Fructus Aurantii on rats with damp blockage of the middle energizer. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into normal group， model group， positive control group （Raceanisodamine tablet， 1 mg/kg）， HMF low-dose， medium-dose and high-dose groups （0.3， 0.6， 0.9 mg/kg）， with 7 rats in each group. Except for the normal group， the other groups were modeled by internal and external composite factors. After successful modeling， the rats in each group were given the corresponding drug or normal saline， once a day， for 14 days. The general behavioral states such as dietary intake， water intake and mental state of the rats were observed， and the fecal water content rate and saliva flow rate were measured. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological and morphology in gastric and small intestinal tissues of rats. The plasma content of aldosterone was detected， and the expression of aquaporins （AQP3） in the gastric tissue of rats was determined. RESULTS Compared with the normal group， the dietary intake and water intake of the model group rats were significantly decreased （P＜0.01）， the fecal water content rate， salivary flow rate， plasma content of aldosterone and the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were increased significantly （P＜0.01）. Gastric tissue injury invaded the mucosal muscle layer， resulting in mucosal muscle layer rupture； pathological and morphological changes such as small intestinal villous erosion and glandular structure destruction were observed in the small intestine. Compared with the model group， the dietary intake and water intake of rats were increased in HMF groups； fecal water content rate， salivary flow rate， plasma content of aldosterone， the expression of AQP3 in gastric tissue were decreased， most of the above differences were statistically significant （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. The pathological and morphological changes in the gastric and small intestine tissues of rats had been improved to varying degrees. CONCLUSIONS HMF of Fructus Aurantii with dry property HMF could improve the symptoms of rats with damp blockage of middle energizer， the mechanism of which may be associated with reducing the content of plasma aldosterone and down-regulating the expression of gastric AQP3.

Establishment and observation of a mouse model of cytokine release syndrome induced by recombinant mouse IFN-γ adenovirus / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#目的：通过向C57Bl/6J小鼠腹腔注射IFN-γ腺病毒（Ad-mIFN-γ）建立细胞因子释放综合征（CRS）的动物模型。方法：构建Ad-mIFN-γ及对照Ad-lacZ腺病毒载体，分别以MOI=100体外转染小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞，流式细胞术检测其对细胞mIFN-γ分泌的影响。将40只雌性C57Bl/6J小鼠按随机数字表法分为对照组、载体对照组、病毒低、中、高剂量组（每组8只），分别向各组小鼠腹腔注射PBS（200 μL）、Ad-lacZ（2×107 PFU/只）、Ad-mIFN-γ（5×106 PFU/只）、Ad-mIFN-γ（1.5×107 PFU/只）和Ad-mIFN-γ（2×107 PFU /只）。每日观测小鼠的体质量及生存情况；第3天时采用流式细胞术检测小鼠外周血和脾内单核细胞（CD11b+）、巨噬细胞（CD11b+/CD86+）比例，免疫荧光染色法检测脾内CD11b+的单核细胞比例；第9天时采用流式细胞术检测小鼠血清中细胞因子的分泌水平；第14天，采用颈椎脱臼法处死小鼠，H-E染色法观察小鼠肝、脾、肺和肾的病理和组织学变化。结果： Ad-mIFN-γ体外感染小鼠腹腔巨噬细胞，在第3天检测到巨噬细胞分泌mIFN-γ达到峰值（118.34±2.90）pg/mL，并在一周内持续高分泌mIFN-γ，Ad-lacZ对照组IFN-γ分泌水平较低后，第3天时为（0.17±0.08）pg/mL。小鼠腹腔注射Ad-mIFN-γ后，在14 d内病毒低、中剂量组无小鼠死亡，病毒高剂量组小鼠体质量持续减轻（P<0.001）；第3天，病毒高剂量组小鼠外周血和脾组织内单核细胞、巨噬细胞比例较对照组和中剂量组均显著增加（P<0.05或P<0.01）；第9天，病毒低、中、高剂量组小鼠血清中mIFN-γ、IL-6、单核细胞趋化蛋白-1（MCP-1）、IL-1、TNF-α等细胞因子的水平均显著升高（P<0.001）；10 d内病毒高剂量组小鼠死亡率达100%。组织病理检测可见病毒高剂量组小鼠的肝、脾、肺、肾组织有明显损伤。结论： Ad-mIFN-γ体外感染小鼠原代腹腔巨噬细胞后，可以快速分泌mIFN-γ；腹腔注射高剂量（2×107 PFU/只）Ad-mIFN-γ导致小鼠出现CRS典型表现，可作为CAR-T细胞治疗诱发CRS的动物模型。

Effect of Xuanfei Zhisou Prescription on IL-17 Signaling Pathway in COPD Model Rats / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Xuanfei Zhisou prescription on the interleukin-17 （IL-17） signaling pathway in model rats with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD）. MethodA total of 60 Wistar rats were randomly divided into a blank group （10 rats） and a model group （50 rats）， and COPD model rats were established by tracheal infusion of lipopolysaccharide combined with passive fumigation. After modeling， the rats were divided into the model group， dexamethasone group， and high， medium， and low-dose Xuanfei Zhisou prescription groups （3.6， 1.8， 0.9 g·kg-1·d-1） according to the random number table. Rats in the blank group and model group were given normal saline of 10 mL·kg-1·d-1 by gavage administration， and the intervention groups of Xuanfei Zhisou prescription were given corresponding drugs. Rats in the dexamethasone group were given dexamethasone of 2.57×10-4 g·kg-1·d-1 for 28 days. The level of pulmonary function indexes in rats was measured by a pulmonary function detector. The contents of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-8 （IL-8）， IL-17， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The positive expressions of IL-17A， IL-17RA， nuclear factor-κB activator 1 （Act1）， tumor necrosis factor-associated factor 6 （TRAF6）， p-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase （p-p38 MAPK）， nuclear factor-κB p65 （NF-κB p65）， and phosphorylation were detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）. The protein expression levels of IL-17A， IL-17RA， Act1， and TRAF6 in the lung tissue were detected by Western blot. The mRNA expressions of IL-17A， IL-17RA， Act1， and TRAF6 in the lung tissue were detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultCompared with the blank group， the serum contents of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the model group were significantly increased （P<0.05）， and the flow rate and volume indexes of pulmonary function in the model group were significantly decreased （P<0.05）， while the time indexes and other indexes were significantly increased （P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein expression levels of IL-17A， IL-17RA， Act1， and TRAF6 in pulmonary tissue and the positive expressions of downstream NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and p-p38 MAPK were increased （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the levels of IL-6， IL-8， IL-17， IL-1β， and TNF-α in the serum of all treatment groups were decreased to varying degrees （P<0.05）， and the indexes of pulmonary function were improved to different degrees （P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of IL-17A， IL-17RA， Act1， and TRAF6 and the positive expression of downstream NF-κB p65， p-NF-κB p65， and p-p38 MAPK in high and medium-dose Xuanfei Zhisou prescription groups were significantly decreased （P<0.05）. ConclusionXuanfei Zhisou prescription can effectively resist inflammation of COPD rats. The mechanism may be related to down-regulating the protein expression of IL-17A， IL-17RA， Act1， and TRAF6， inhibiting downstream NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways， and reducing the release of IL-6， IL-8， TNF-α， IL-17， and IL-1β， thus reducing the airway inflammation response.

Research progress of m6A methylation modification in ocular diseases / 国际眼科杂志(Guoji Yanke Zazhi)

N6-methyladenosine(m6A), the most common, abundant, and conserved RNA modification in eukaryotic cells, regulates RNA splicing, stability, output, degradation and translation through m6A methyltransferase, m6A demethylase, and m6A methylated binding proteins. Recent studies have found that abnormal m6A methylation may mediate a variety of pathological processes in eyes and participate in the occurrence and development of metabolic, inflammatory, degenerative ocular diseases and ocular tumors, such as diabetic retinopathy, cataract, age-related macular degeneration and uveal melanoma. This review aims to summarize the roles of m6A methylation modification in ocular cells and ocular diseases, elucidate the potential molecular mechanisms of m6A methylation in ocular diseases, so as to encourage innovative approaches in the treatment of these ocular diseases.

Silencing GmWRKY33B genes leads to reduced disease resistance in soybean / 生物工程学报

The WRKYs are a group of plant-specific transcription factors that play important roles in defense responses. In this study, we silenced 2 GmWRKY33B homologous genes using a bean pod mosaic virus (BPMV) vector carrying a single fragment from the conserved region of the GmWRKY33B genes. Silencing GmWRKY33B did not result in morphological changes. However, significantly reduced resistances to Pseudomonas syringae pv. glycinea (Psg) and soybean mosaic virus (SMV) were observed in the GmWRKY33B-silenced plants, indicating a positive role of the GmWRKY33B genes in disease resistance. Kinase assay showed that silencing the GmWRKY33B genes significantly reduced the activation of GmMPK6, but not GmMPK3, in response to flg22 treatment. Reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) analysis of the genes encoding prenyltransferases (PTs), which are the key enzymes in the biosynthesis of glyceollin, showed that the Psg-induced expression of these genes was significantly reduced in the GmWRKY33B-silenced plants compared with the BPMV-0 empty vector plants, which correlated with the presence of the W-boxes in the promoter regions of these genes. Taken together, our results suggest that GmWRKY33Bs are involved in soybean immunity through regulating the activation of the kinase activity of GmMPK6 as well as through regulating the expression of the key genes encoding the biosynthesis of glyceollins.

Effect of electrochemically dealloying Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts / 口腔疾病防治

Objective@#To investigate the effects of electrochemically dealloying of Ti6Al4V abutments on human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) and to provide experimental evidence for surface modification of implant abutments.@*Methods@#The samples were divided into an NC group (negative control, no other treatment on a smooth surface), an NM-1 group (nanomesh-1, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 1 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage), and an NM-2 group (nanomesh-2, electrochemical dealloying treatment in 5 mol/L NaOH 1 h on 2 V voltage). The surface morphologies of the samples and the adhesion of HGFs on the sample surfaces were observed with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The surface hydrophilicities of the samples were measured with a contact angle measuring instrument. The proliferation of HGFs on the different samples were evaluated with CCK-8, and the expression of adhesion-related genes, including collagen Ⅰ (COL1A1), collagen Ⅲ (COL3A1), fibronectin 1 (FN1), focal adhesion kinase (FAK), vinculin (VCL), integrin α2 (ITGA2), and integrin β1 (ITGB1), on the different samples was measured with qRT-PCR. The expression of vinculin on the surfaces of HGFs was observed via confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) after immunofluorescent staining. Collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs from different samples were evaluated via Sirius red staining.@*Results@#SEM revealed the formation of ordered and uniform three-dimensional mesh structures on the surfaces of the NM-1 and NM-2 groups, with grid diameters of approximately 30 nm for the NM-1 group and approximately 150 nm for the NM-2 group. Compared with that of the NC group, the water contact angles of the NM-1 group and NM-2 groups were significantly lower (P<0.000 1). Cell proliferation in the NM-1 group was significantly greater than that in the NC group (P<0.01). Moreover, there was no significant difference in the water contact angles or cell proliferation between the NM-1 group and the NM-2 group. SEM revealed that HGFs were adhered well to the surfaces of all samples, while the HGFs in the NM-1 and NM-2 groups showed more extended areas, longer morphologies, and more developed pseudopodia than did those in the NC group after 24 h. qRT-PCR revealed that the expression levels of the adhesion-related genes COL1A1, COL3A1, FN1, FAK and VCL in the NM-1 group were significantly greater than those in the NC and NM-2 groups (P<0.01). The expression of vinculin protein in the NM-1 group was the highest, and the number of focal adhesions was greatest in the NM-1 group (P<0.01). The results of Sirius red staining showed that the NM-1 group had the highest secretion and syntheses of collagen fibers (P<0.000 1).@*Conclusion@#The three-dimensional nanomechanical structure of Ti6Al4V modified by electrochemical dealloying promoted the adhesion, proliferation, collagen fiber secretion and syntheses of HGFs, and electrochemical dealloying of Ti6Al4V with a grid diameter of approximately 30 nm obviously promoted HGF formation.

Mechanisms of brain damage caused by inorganic fluoride using proteomics-based techniques / 环境与职业医学

Background Chronic excessive exposure to fluoride can cause damage to the central nervous system and a certain degree of learning and memory impairment. However, the associated mechanism is not yet clear and further exploration is needed. Objective Using 4D unlabelled quantitative proteomics techniques to explore differentially expressed proteins and their potential mechanisms of action in chronic excessive fluoride exposure induced brain injury. Methods Twenty-four SPF-grade adult SD rats, half male and half male, were selected and divided into a control group and a fluoride group by random number table method, with 12 rats in each group. Among them, the control group drank tap water (fluorine content<1 mg·L−1), the fluoride group drank sodium fluoride solution (fluorine content 10 mg·L−1), and both groups were fed with ordinary mouse feed (fluoride content<0.6 mg·kg−1). After 180 d of feeding, the SD rats were weighed, and then part of the brain tissue was sampled for pathological examination by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Nissl staining. The rest of the brain tissue was frozen and stored at −80 ℃. Three brain tissue samples from each group were randomly selected for proteomics detection. Differentially expressed proteins were screened and subcellular localization analysis was performed, followed by Gene Ontology (GO) function analysis, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, cluster analysis, and protein-protein interaction analysis. Finally, Western blotting was used to detect the expression levels of key proteins extracted from the brain tissue samples. Results After 180 d of feeding, the average weight of the rats in the fluoride group was significantly lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The brain tissue stained with HE showed no significant morphological changes in the cerebral cortex of the fluoride treated rats, and neuron loss, irregular arrangement of neurons, eosinophilic changes, and cell body pyknosis were observed in the hippocampus. The Nissl staining results showed that the staining of neurons in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus of rats exposed to fluoride decreased (Nissl bodies decreased). The proteomics results showed that a total of 6927 proteins were identified. After screening, 206 differentially expressed proteins were obtained between the control group and the fluoride group, including 96 up-regulated proteins and 110 down-regulated proteins. The differential proteins were mainly located in cytoplasm (30.6%), nucleus (27.2%), mitochondria (13.6%), plasma membrane (13.6%), and extracellular domain (11.7%). The GO analysis results showed that differentially expressed proteins mainly participated in biological processes such as iron ion transport, regulation of dopamine neuron differentiation, and negative regulation of respiratory burst in inflammatory response, exercised molecular functions such as ferrous binding, iron oxidase activity, and cytokine activity, and were located in the smooth endoplasmic reticulum membrane, fixed components of the membrane, chloride channel complexes, and other cellular components. The KEGG significantly enriched pathways included biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments. The results of differential protein-protein interaction analysis showed that the highest connectivity was found in glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (Gpi). The expression level of Gpi in the brain tissue of the rats in the fluoride group was lower than that in the control group by Western blotting (P<0.05). Conclusion Multiple differentially expressed proteins are present in the brain tissue of rats with chronic fluorosis, and their functions are related to biosynthesis of secondary metabolites, carbon metabolism, and microbial metabolism in diverse environments; Gpi may be involved in cerebral neurological damage caused by chronic overdose fluoride exposure.

Research progress on m5C methylation and its prospects in tumor immunotherapy / 口腔疾病防治

@#Epigenetic modification plays an important role in the biological regulatory process of eukaryotic cells. Tumor immunotherapy is an important means and clinical strategy for the treatment of some cancers. 5-Methylcytosine (m5C) is an important component of the epigenetic regulatory network discovered after m6A and has become a new topic for life science research in recent years. The m5C methylation of RNA can affect the fate of the modified RNA molecules and play an important role in various biological processes, including RNA stability, protein synthesis and transcriptional regulation. Recent studies have shown that m5C writers, erasers and readers are related to a variety of cellular biological processes and systemic diseases, including the occurrence, metastasis and tumor immune microenvironment. m5C methylation can widely affect gene expression and the biological process of tumorigenesis and development at multiple levels, but its specific mechanism and potential interaction with other epigenetic modifications in tumor immunotherapy are still unclear, and its regulatory mechanism, risk assessment and role in targeted therapy for malignant tumors need to be further studied. This article will review the dynamic regulatory network of m5C, the biological role of m5C modification in solid tumors and potential targets in tumor immunotherapy.

Oncolytic Newcastle disease virus inhibits IL-6 induced migration and invasion of human glioblastoma U87MG cells / 中国肿瘤生物治疗杂志

@#[摘 要] 目的：探讨溶瘤新城疫病毒（NDV）对IL-6诱导的人胶质母细胞瘤U87MG细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的作用及其可能的机制。方法：将U87MG细胞分为对照组、IL-6组、NDV组、NDV+IL-6组，其中IL-6组与NDV+IL-6组用75 ng/mL IL-6预处理1 h，其余组用DMEM预处理1 h，后分别用DMEM、75 ng/mL IL-6、1 HU NDV、1 HU NDV+75 ng/mL IL-6处理24 h。MTT法、细胞划痕实验和Transwell侵袭实验分别检测IL-6、NDV对U87MG细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响，WB法检测各组细胞JAK2、p-JAK2、STAT3、p-STAT3和MMP2蛋白的表达水平。结果：与对照组相比，IL-6组细胞迁移率显著升高（P<0.05），侵袭细胞数目显著增多（P<0.01）；与IL-6组相比，NDV+IL-6组U87MG细胞增殖率显著降低（P<0.05），细胞迁移率和侵袭细胞数目均显著降低（均P<0.01）。WB实验结果显示，与对照组相比，IL-6组p-STAT3/STAT3比值显著升高（P<0.01），NDV组p-JAK2/JAK2、p-STAT3/STAT3比值显著降低（P<0.05，P<0.01），MMP-2蛋白表达量显著降低（P<0.01）；与IL-6组相比，NDV+IL-6组p-STAT3/STAT3比值、MMP-2蛋白表达量均显著降低（均P<0.05）。结论：NDV能抑制IL-6对人脑胶质瘤U87MG细胞迁移和侵袭的诱导作用，其机制可能与JAK2/STAT3信号通路的参与调控有关。

Application of FMEA model and 6S management method in reducing dispensing errors in PIVAS of children’s hospitals / 中国药房

OBJECTIVE To reduce dispensing errors in pharmacy intravenous admixture service （PIVAS） of children’s hospitals. METHODS The risk of dispensing procedures in our PIVAS was identified by applying failure mode and effect analysis （FMEA） model. Potential failure modes that might lead to dispensing errors in each link were determined， and failure causes were analyzed. The severity， incidence and detection degree of potential failure modes were quantitatively scored， and their risk priority number （RPN） was calculated to screen failure modes that needed to be improved in priority； the corresponding improvement measures were developed by 6S management method from six aspects， namely， finishing （seiri）， rectifying （seiton）， sweeping （seiso）， sanitation （seiketsu）， literacy （shitsuke） and safety. The effect of intervention before and after rectification was evaluated. RESULTS Based on the RPN， 32 potential failure modes were selected， of which a total of 18 critical failure modes that needed to be improved in priority. After implementing corresponding measures according to 6S management method， the RPN of 18 critical failure modes decreased. The total RPN decreased from 497 to 142 with a decrease rate of 71.43%. The error rates of 15 critical failure modes were significantly lower than before implementation （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Applying FMEA model and 6S management method to the risk control of all aspects of PIVAS workflow can effectively reduce the risk of PIVAS dispensing errors and ensure the safety of children’s intravenous medication.